Do the young people of today have the same sense of achievement as the earlier generations had regarding Independence Day? Is the basic pride in belonging to a nation that is democratic and free instilled in their psyche? Or is it all being taken for granted, with the pursuit of personal goals taking priority? It has been seen that the increase in nuclear families and limited community interaction has led to reduction in the spirit of social responsibility. It is no wonder that there is a growing inability to distinguish between the common good and selfish interests. One needs only to look at the promises made by political parties that seek to lure voters based on caste, community, region and race with little concern for national well-being. In fact, nationalism has become a dirty word in an increasingly woke environment.
There are political ideologies being promoted in the country that would have impressionable youngsters believe that things today are worse off for particular sections than in the times of the British Raj. Complacency within mainstream society has allowed such thinking to make its way into the educational curricula, insidiously brainwashing each coming generation. The number of things that Indians unite around are growing fewer, and those too are under threat.
Attempts are being made, of course, to apply the correctives but these, presently, lack the sophistication required. Apart from the mind games and battle for perceptions, the most effective remedy is solid achievements in the material world. It has to be proven that adopting an ‘Indian’ approach is the most beneficial for all. This is not to say that things are all going in the negative direction – there is much happening that gives rise to optimism. This can be seen every time India makes a mark in the sporting arena, particularly Cricket. The preferences shown by the young in their choice of entertainment, social, cultural and literary content are also reflective of a consciousness that is not just superficial. The democratic processes and assertion of constitutional rights have become second nature and are increasingly manifest in practice. What is required is an enabling environment developed by society as a whole rather than just government. It has been pointed out that, despite all the talent and potential, India has not been able to produce Nobel Laureates for many decades. The spirit of Independence, it must be understood, lies in the willingness to sacrifice and be dedicated to a higher goal, as was displayed by the freedom fighters. This must never be forgotten.
